BED REST, PROLONGED: PREVENTING COMPLICATIONS -- RESPIRATORY SYSTEM

Course overview

Bed rest is a form of therapy, either prescribed (e.g., for women whose pregnancies are determined to be at high-risk) or imposed (e.g., for patients who are critically ill), that is undertaken for a specified length of time or until the return of physiological homeostasis or wellbeing. The therapeutic goal of bed rest is to preserve a patient’s physiologic functioning by allowing the body to conserve energy, and to redirect blood flow and oxygen to organs and other body tissues. This continuing education module is designed to give the reader/learner an increased understanding of preventing respiratory complications associated with prolonged bed rest. Readers may explore any or all of the topics. One contact hour of continuing education credit is available for those who successfully complete the post-test and evaluation form.